sugar cookie bars*

I made these yummy bars this weekend for a family dinner. I LOVE sugar cookies. Especially the Granny B's. Those are my all time favorite! Until I look at the nutrition info on the back. Then, not so much. But those are by far the best sugar cookie I have ever had.

These bars are really good, too. And they are SO simple! Most sugar cookies take forever to make because you have to make the batter, then chill for a few hours, then you can finally roll them and bake them. This recipe is getting that same great yummy taste, but spending 15 minutes making batter and frosting and then you bake, frost and you're done. It's a beautiful thing. Especially for people like me that just cannot seem to catch up! I think I would add a little more lemon zest though, or maybe the juice of the lemon. But then again, I am a lemon fanatic.

Remember, tune in tomorrow to see my little sister's 21st birthday cake!! I know that I sure can't wait!

Sugar Cookie Bars
from The Girl Who Ate Everything

1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp lemon zest (optional) - I would HIGHLY suggest adding this ingredient :)

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda and stir with a whisk to combine. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined.

Spread on a greased baking sheet (use a 13 x 18 pan).

Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 min, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean (they won't look done so do the toothpick test).

Cool completely and frost.

Frosting
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 of an 8 oz block) softened
1 tsp vanilla (I used almond extract for half of the frosting)
¼ tsp salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 Tbsp milk
food coloring (if desired)

For frosting combine butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments until combined, then add milk a little at a time and mix until smooth and spreading consistency. You may not need all the milk!

Spread over cooled cookie bars.

Anyone looking for a good Easter treat?? This would make a great one!

-alyssa*